mcdonut16

Denver D: Key Rushing Statistics

2nd: Rush Yards Per Game
32nd: Rush Attempts against
15th: Rush Yards Per Carry


Comment: Solid Run D but not as good as 2nd in the league stats appear. Yards Per Carry indicates average performance against the run, when you can run against the Broncos all game. Denver had a lead or was tied at halftime in 15 of the 16 games, they had a lead at the half in 11 of the 16 games, and a lead at the start of the 4th qr 14 times out of 16 games. Teams gave up the run as Denver was ahead in most games and Denver had the least amount of rushing attempts against them in the entire NFL. Lots of credit for Denver's rush Defense, goes to the Denver Offense for getting out to quick leads in the vast majority of their games, thus limiting the number of rushing attempts against the Defense.

Of the 4 other Defenses in the NFL that are in the top 5 in Rushing Yards Per Game, all 4 are also in the top 5 in Yards Per Carry. Denver is 15th in yards per carry. Denver is the statistical exception here, so I think my theory that "Denver's offense is their best run defense" holds true to an extent. This is certainly not a weakness for the Broncos, it just not the strength that it's made out to be.

In the 3 games that Denver lost, they gave up 151, 97, and 168 yards rushing. They can be run on if the score and flow of the game allows for it.


Denver D: Key Passing Statistics

29th: Pass Yards Per Game
1st: Passes Attempted Against
3rd: Pass Completion %
4th: Pass Yards per attempt
4th: Opposing QB Rating
17th: Passing TD's allowed
28th: Sacks
6th: INT

Comment: In general, the pass defense is better than indicated by stats. Broncos had the most passes attempted against them in the league so that explains the horrible 29th: Pass Yards Per Game ranking. Also, low Pass Completion % indicates quality coverage, although they were likely in a lot of prevent pass coverages, probably lowering this ranking in reality when Denver is in base pass or run coverage. INT ranking is also inflated because they had the most pass attempts against them and therefore the most opportunity for INT's.

The Glaring statistic here is that Denver is 28th in the league in sacks. Considering they had the most passes attempted against them in the league, they had the most opportunities for sacks. Also with their 3rd place ranking in Pass Completion %, possibly indicating good coverage, you would figure that their would have been the opportunity for some coverage sacks. This makes them probably the worst team in the league at putting pressure on the QB. This is likely the biggest weakness on the entire team and should be exploited, especially by Tom Brady who when given time can be deadly. I am also theorizing that Denvers high rankings in Opposing QB ranking and Completion percentage, were do to low percentage attempts as the other teams were pressing to try to keep up their scoring with the Broncos.


Denver D: Key Overall Statistic

3rd: Points Against

Conclusion: Overall the most important statistic of all is Denvers D is 3rd in Points Allowed. Denver has an excellent defense that can play with anybody. I found it very interesting that Denver's D had the most passes attempted against it, but had the least amount of rush attempts against it. This imbalance in attempts against, skews the overall efficiency of the Broncos D. The key here is not to let the Broncos get out to an early lead, where the run has to be abandoned. There lack of sacks indicates inadequate pass rush, which should give the Patriots time to attempt some deep passes to loosen up Denver's run Defense.

CheerforTom

Wow, good stuff dude. That's impressive.

One comment: don't you think that you can look at some of their stats in pass defence the other way around? Like can't their lots of yards given up in the air lead to most pass attempts by other teams?

I'm hardly criticizing, though, just commenting. You don't see this stuff from most NFL analysts, great job!

T-ShirtDynasty

Eeeeeeeeeeeexcelent work. Thank you kindly for the effort.

This part is very interesting and will be rolling around the back of my head as I watch the game. Thanks again.

mcdonut16

I just found some statistical anomalies and tried to come up with theory's, supported by other facts and statistics.

Statistics by themselves mean nothing. You have to weed through them find to find something closer to the truth.

These are my theories, and I would love to see additional opposing and supporting theories backed up by intelligent analysis.

flutie2phelan

Way to go, mcdonut!

This is a big aid to understanding.

Excuse me for being greedy, though: how do you see their offense?

__________________

mcdonut16

Thanks for your kind comments. I will try to do a Breakdown on Denver's Offense sometime in the next day or two. I am football 24/7 this time of year and this coming weekend is the best weekend of the year.

Bronco Freak

Great analysis, but allow me to retort.

Our offense scores, so they abandon the running game as you say. But to stop a team from scoring, you gotta stop the run early. I'm about 90% sure we haven't given up a TD on the opening drive all season!!
We do that exceptionally well. We will put 8 men within 2 yards of the LOS at times. And it works, so when we need to stop the run, we shut it down completely, having Champ out there makes a huge difference. Vs the Pats, I don't think this will be neccessary, unless you go 2 TE's and run to Grahams side with effectiveness. We also rotate the hell out of our DLineman, to keep them fresh.

You also noted we don't get alot of sacks. But I am pretty sure we lead the league in QB pressures. They throw it away alot, its all good. 3 and out is a 3 and out.

Remember, we shut DOWN your offense for 3 quarters early this season, what excuses do you pats fans have for that???

This time Champ will be there all night long!!!

JJDChE

Denver is actually last in attempts per sack, averaging only one sack per 22.89 opponent pass attempts.

mcdonut16

Where are your statistics to support that Denver lead the league in QB pressures, but was almost last in the league in sacks. Thats totally illogical if you can statistically support that. Don't forget, the Broncos did have the most opportunities for Sacks and QB pressures. If you had the most attempts you should have the most successes. Pressures are great but they are not sacks and my guess is that the teams with the most sacks also have the most pressures since in fact you can only sack the QB if in fact you are pressuring him.

Also I do not make excuses for the Patriots losing earlier this year to the Broncos. The Broncos are a very good team and they walloped the Patriots. I only promise you that the team you see on the field this time will play alot better.

Our personel will be quite a bit different this time.

BelichickFan

We would take you more seriously if you didn't talk like an *******.